Evaluation of gingival depigmentation efficacy with Er, Cr: YSGG and diode lasers using clinical indices DOPI, MPI and Pixel colour analysis - a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Tran Huynh Trung, Le Nguyen Lam, Pham Anh Vu Thuy

Main Article Content

Abstract

A split-mouth clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients with gingival hyperpigmentation (DOPI ≥ 1) at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from December 2023 to December 2025; we compared the effectiveness of gingival depigmentation between Er, Cr: YSGG laser (left side) and diode laser (right side) using DOPI, MPI, and pixel color analysis indices at 1 month and 3 months after treatment. DOPI decreased significantly in both groups at 1 month and 3 months (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two groups at any time point (p = 0.197 and p = 0.129). After 3 months, 66.7% of the Er, Cr: YSGG group and 77.5% of the diode group achieved DOPI <1; no case had DOPI ≥ 2. MPI and Pixelvalues improved similarly in both groups, with no statistically significant difference at any time point (p > 0.05). Both Er, Cr: YSGG laser and diode laser demonstrated comparable effectiveness in gingival depigmentation in terms of clinical indices (DOPI, MPI, and Pixel) at 1 month and 3 months after treatment.

Article Details

References

1. Trần Huỳnh Trung, Lê Nguyên Lâm, Phạm Anh Vũ Thụy. Khảo sát mô học tăng sắc tố nướu. Tạp chí Nghiên cứu Y học. 2026;199(2):660-666. doi:10.52852/tcncyh. v199i2.4712.
2. Altayeb W, Hamadah O, Alhaffar BA, et al. Gingival depigmentation with diode and Er, Cr: YSGG laser: Evaluating re-pigmentation rate and patient perceptions. Clinical Oral Investigations. 2021;25(9):5351-5361. doi:10.1007/s00784-021-03843-6.
3. Natesan SC, Ramakrishnan BP, Krishnapillai R, et al. Biophysiology of oral mucosal melanocytes. Journal of Health Sciences & Research. 2019;10(2):47-51. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10042-1083.
4. Abdel Moneim RA, El Deeb M, Rabea AA. Gingival pigmentation (cause, treatment and histological preview). Future Dental Journal. 2017;3:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fdj.2017.04.002.
5. Patsakas AJ, Demetriou N, Angelopoulos AP. Melanin pigmentation in the attached gingiva. Journal of Periodontology. 1981;52(12):701-704. doi:10.1902/jop.1981.52.11.701.
6. Penmetsa GS, Mopidevi A, Dwarakanath CD, et al. Melanocyte response following depigmentation by cryosurgery and mucosal excision: A comparative clinical and histopathological study. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. 2019;10(2):214-219. doi: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_364_18.
7. Chandra AK, Tikku AP. Comparative evaluation of soft tissue management using surgical blade, electrosurgery and diode laser in a gingival depigmentation procedure. Indian Journal of Dental Sciences. 2020;12(3):131-136.
8. Mojahedi Nasab SMM, Frentzen M, Rahmani S, et al. A comparative histological study of gingival depigmentation by 808 and 445 nm diode lasers. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2023;14:e48. doi:10.34172/jlms.2023.48.
9. Bakhshi M, Taghi Chitsazi M, Shiezadeh F, et al. Comparison of diode versus Er, Cr: YSGG laser for gingival depigmentation. Journal of Dental Sciences. 2018;13(2):118-123.
10. Nguyễn Lê Diễm Quỳnh, Phạm Anh Vũ Thụy. Đánh giá hiệu quả điều trị tăng sắc tố nướu bằng laser diode bước sóng 810 nm. Tạp chí Y Dược học Cần Thơ. 2021;44:62-68.
11. Zahid TM, Natto ZS. Validity and reliability of polarized vs non-polarized digital images for measuring gingival melanin pigmentation. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry. 2023;15:189-197. doi:10.2147/CCIDE.S422139.
12. Hanioka T, Tanaka K, Ojima M. Association of melanin pigmentation in the gingiva of children with parents who smoke. Pediatrics. 2005;116(2):e186-e190. doi:10.1542/peds.2004-2628.
13. Trần Huỳnh Trung, Lê Nguyên Lâm, Phạm Anh Vũ Thụy. So sánh hiệu quả điều trị tăng sắc tố nướu bằng laser diode và Er, Cr: YSGG. Tạp chí Y học Việt Nam. 2024;543(3):338-341.